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Residents share west side memories

Susan McQuiston’s mother Viola Bash stands in front of the family’s house on Garfield Avenue in Lancaster. McQuiston’s father Vince Bash built the house himself.(Photo: Photo submitted by Susan McQuiston)

West side residents share their memories of growing up in Anchor Hocking's backyard:

• "My grandparents lived on Garfield Avenue for many years, and going to their house in the early '50s and '60s was always a treat. We could walk to the park, sit on the front porch and play for hours. Very quiet, well-kept neighborhood." — Linda Goodman

• "(I) lived at 525 Zane Ave in the early '60s and '70s. Nice neighborhood back then. Factories were good and strong. There was Westside carryout and pizza. ... Also a Clark drugstore where as kids we could go in with a note from our parents and buy cigarettes, 35 cents a pack. Or go in Mulligans Bar and get a cold ham sandwich. ... The west side library was a great place to spend summer days. ... Miller pool had Friday night dance and swim for teenagers with a local band or DJ. (The) YMCA was the place to swim for kids in the wintertime." — Linda George DeBoe

• "Some folks had plenty while others didn't have much, but (it) didn't matter. I was one that didn't have much, but the values I have came from growing up on the west side. It pains me now to see the west side on how it really has changed. I get back there and even walk around and remember when life was simple, but I wouldn't change any of the memories I have. My wife of 45 years is also a west sider who lived one block from me!" — Dick Schultz

• "I grew up in Thomas market. My family owned it. You could go in and watch them cut the meat to order. They always gave the kids cookies while the parents shopped." — Mimi Wagner

• "Kenny's Cafeteria is where I would meet my dad for lunch when he worked at Anchor." — Gerald Holmes

• "I grew up at 411 Washington Ave. I loved living there! Everyone knew each other and watched out for each others' kids. We played all over the neighborhood, and at dark, we'd play hide and seek all over the neighborhood. My favorite was Halloween when people decorated and trick or treat was after dark! I loved growing up on the West side!" — April Crist

These memories were collected via Facebook and edited for grammar and brevity.